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As picturesque as its Southern California surroundings, Simpson House Inn makes for a truly luxurious Santa Barbara stay. The only AAA Five-Diamond Award-winning bed & breakfast establishment in all of North America, this exquisite boutique hotel is home to an acre of English gardens and fifteen charming guest rooms, suites and cottages, all just a five-minute walk from historic downtown Santa Barbara and a short trolley ride from the beach. Each room features modern amenities complementing the historic Victorian architecture and intimate appeal. Antique furnishings accent the accommodations, while contemporary yet thoughtful conveniences like unobtrusive televisions with DVD players ensure comfort and relaxation. Personalized service, including evening turndown and daily newspaper delivery, makes your stay seamless and enjoyable.
Simpson House Inn
121 East Arrellaga Street
Santa Barbara, California
93101
Nearest Airport: SBA
For many years, thus unique property has been a wonderful place to relax. A historic landmark built in 1874, it's been a luxurious bed and breakfast now for decades, a large, beautiful Victorian house on a spacious, tree shaded lot away from, but within walking distance of, the hustle and bustle of State Street. It's changed hands recently, but Haley is still the friendly host overseeing everything, and her associate Frank is charming and extremely helpful. The rooms in the main house are very nice, and the cottages roomy and comfortable. There are plenty of spots to chill and read a book on the lawn, and the French toast is a delicious way to start one's day...
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We had the pleasure of staying at the Simpson House Inn for three nights over Thanksgiving 2025. Our experience was lovely. We stayed in the Katherine McCormick Room. The room was cozy in the main house. The wine hour, cookies and breakfasts were delicious. The location was perfect and were able to walk downtown and to the beach with ease. If you want to stay in a B&B that is charming and quiet then Simpson House Inn is for you. We appreciated the personal touches from the Simpson House Inn and will return during our next visit to Santa Barbara.
JKca - CA
What a wonderful stay in Santa Barbara! We were in town for a romantic getaway and to see old friends during a rainy, cold block of days. The crackling fire and worn leather furniture and soft music were inviting and immediately caused us to want to pause and enjoy the hot tea or the afternoon hors d’ oeuvres that were offered. We were met in the driveway by Frank who immediately welcomed us and showed us around the grounds and our upstairs room of this house built in 1874. The staff here were top notch! Breakfast (made to order) every morning was served by David who was very personable and attentive and helped start our days off right. One particular rainy evening, Haley kindly went to the kitchen and brought out a few things for us to enjoy (having decided to stay in from the cold) that were available from the earlier provision that we had missed. Everyone was so attentive and helpful. We were so relaxed even having stayed there only 3 nights. We felt like family and we were sad to leave our clean and comfortable room and the pampering we enjoyed. We highly recommend The Simpson House Inn.
Jeff C - Fort Myers, Florida
Best experience. Best rooms and food, If you want to be pampered stay here it is a once in a live time experience I cannot wait to go back.
Angelica S - San Diego, California
The Simpson House holds a very special place in our hearts. We have been coming back here for over 10 years. This is not just a bed and breakfast, it’s a place where you are remembered, welcomed back like family, and genuinely cared for. Each return visit feels familiar in the best way, as if no time has passed at all. The personal touches made all the difference, from thoughtful conversations to the way every detail seemed designed to make guests feel welcome and at home. The room was cozy and thoughtfully prepared, with little touches that showed real care rather than a standard, one-size-fits-all setup. Breakfast was a highlight: homemade, delicious, and enjoyed in a calm, friendly atmosphere instead of a rushed buffet line. It felt more like starting the day in someone’s home than navigating a crowded hotel dining room. The hosts go out of their way to get to know their guests, offering thoughtful local tips, and checking in to make sure guests have everything they need. Their warmth, care, and genuine hospitality is something truly rare and deeply meaningful. The property itself is beautiful, peaceful, and impeccably maintained, and the atmosphere feels both elegant and comfortable. You can tell there is a long-standing tradition of putting guests first, and that personal nature is what makes The Simpson House stand out among places to stay in Santa Barbara. Unlike large hotels where everything is automated, contact-less check-in and distant, this bed and breakfast made human connection part of the experience. We understand the property has recently been sold, and we sincerely hope that nothing changes about what makes this place so special. The heart of The Simpson House lies in its personal, guest-focused approach and we hope this tradition of connection and warmth continues for many years to come. We will always treasure our stays here and hope future guests get to experience the same sense of belonging that keeps us coming back.
PHILLIP B
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